Here’s a breakdown of Virginia’s week two road matchup against No. 24 Oregon on Saturday night in Eugene, OR.
Three keys to a Virginia win
1) Avoid fighting fire with fire
Possession is one critical factor in determining a victor. Richmond almost doubled Virginia in that area, 39:46 to 20:14, never really allowing the Cavaliers to find their rhythm. To hang with — let alone outscore — an offense like Oregon’s, Virginia will need to slow its hurried pace and control the clock with the run.
2) Pressure the quarterback
Following the loss to Richmond, Mendenhall admitted his defensive unit wasn’t physical and that it didn’t put the opposing quarterback under pressure. What Lauletta did to the Cavaliers was impressive. But if Virginia defenders have a repeat, sluggish performance up front, quarterback Dakota Prukop and his Oregon offense will break the scoreboard.
3) Limit Oregon’s big play ability
Oregon’s offense had seven plays go for 20 or more yards in its opening game. With weapons in the backfield, on the flanks, and behind center, the Ducks can hit you with a big play out of nowhere and fast. They feature an Olympic hurdler at wideout for goodness sake.
Players to watch
Oregon
Royce Freeman
A 2015 second-team All-American, Freeman rushed for a team-high 87 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in the Ducks’ blowout win over UC Davis. The Imperial, Calif. native is liable to have a career day against a Virginia defense that surrendered 187 rushing yards in its opener versus Richmond.
Troy Dye
Starting in his first ever collegiate game, the freshman linebacker Dye recorded 11 tackles and a sack. He even blocked a field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. Dye garnered Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors for his stellar debut and enters this week’s matchup with supreme confidence.
Charles Nelson
Limited to just four catches for 31 yards and one rush for six in his first game, the 2015 First Team Pac-12 honoree should be more involved in the attack Saturday. Nelson is that versatile speedster on Oregon who can turn the corner on an end-around or burn you deep, and he’s an elite returner.
Virginia
Albert Reid
Given Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell’s ball security issues, the sure-handed, strong tailback Reid should see more carries. A former transfer from Maryland, Reid led Virginia with 4.7 yard-per-carry average against Richmond, and at 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds he blocks well. The Cavaliers will call on Reid to be physical and to hang onto the football Saturday.
Olamide Zaccheaus
Suspended during the first half of the Richmond game for a violation of team policy, Zacchaeus showed off his play-making ability in the second. The speedster tallied a team-high 75 yards on five receptions, including a 25-yard touchdown. Zacchaeus will look to give Oregon some of its own high-octane medicine.
Nicholas Conte
This isn’t being facetious. Conte figures to see a lot of action Saturday, and his booming punts could make a big difference in the battle over field position. The 2015 All-ACC honorable mention averaged 46.7 yards on three punts against Richmond. Ask any coach, they’ll take a leg like that.
Statistical Leaders
Virginia
Passing
Kurt Benkert (QB): 76.5% Completion Percentage, 3 Touchdowns, 1 Interception
Rushing
Albert Reid (RB): 6 Carries, 28 Yards, 4.7 yards per carry (YPC)
Taquan Mizzell (RB): 7 Carries, 7 Yards, 1.0 YPC
Receiving
Olamide Zaccheaus (WR): 5 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 Touchdown. 15.0 yards per catch (YPC)
Doni Dowling (WR): 4 Receptions, 53 Yards, 1 Touchdown. 13.3 YPC
Defense
Micah Kiser (LB): 14 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss (TFL), 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Sack
Zach Bradshaw (LB): 9 Tackles, 2 TFL, 1 Forced Fumble
Oregon
Passing
Dakota Prukop (QB): 70% Completion Percentage, 3 Touchdowns, 0 Interceptions
Rushing
Royce Freeman (RB): 11 Carries, 87 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 7.9 YPC
Tony Brooks-James (RB): 5 carries, 57 yards, 1 Touchdown, 11.4 YPC
Receiving
Darren Carrington II (WR): 7 Receptions, 117 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 16.7 YPC
Johnny Mundt (TE): 3 Receptions, 52 Yards, 1 Touchdown 17.3 YPC
Defense
Troy Dye (LB): 11 Tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 Sack
Arrion Springs (CB): 5 Tackles, 1 TFL
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Graphic by Kriti Sehgal
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